Light therapy platform enhanced controller

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a therapeutic lamp platform controller. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, provided is a controller comprising a power source; a control circuit operatively connected to the power source, the control circuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality of radiant lamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the plurality of radiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelength radiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user display operatively connected to the control circuit; and a user control switch operatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to control a dosage amount of radiant energy communicated to the user treatment area.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/324,453, filed on Jul. 7, 2014, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/604,012, filed Sep. 5, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,771,328, which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/532,140, filed Sep. 8, 2011, and thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/567,552, filed Dec. 11, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/914,624, filed Dec. 11, 2013,the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present embodiments relate to devices and methods for deliveringlight-based skin therapy treatments for improving skin health, such asanti-aging enhancement or acne prevention, using light-emitting diode(LED) light therapy, although other types of light radiating sources canbe used.

BACKGROUND

Certain light spectrums emitted by LEDs (blue or red) are known to betherapeutic for skin treatment against maladies such as acne, or arebeneficial to inhibit skin aging. However, there is a need to provideusers/patients with a convenient at-home light therapy delivery devicesuch as a wearable mask, veil or hood that is adjustable or flexible toconform to different sizes and shapes, and that is simple to use withoutuser discomfort. Currently available at-home, consumer usable productson the market are fixed to one-size and/or usually have to be hand-held;which generally have not proven satisfactory for providing the best ordesired light dispersion. The alternative is customers visiting adoctor's office to receive treatments.

Prior known light therapy devices, particularly masks, have sufferedfrom problems relating to the exposure of the LEDs and the associatedcircuitry to power the LEDs to contact by users. More particularly, inan effort to maximize light communication to a patient, the LEDs havebeen disposed in a manner which allow them to be physically engaged(e.g., touched) by a patient, or even contact a treatment surface, whichprocesses are debilitating to the LEDs as a result of the accumulationof dirt and oil. In addition, any such engagement can be dangerous topatients who are exposed to the sharp or hot edges of the LEDs and theassociated circuitry. The exposure of detailed circuitry presents anintimidating and unpleasant experience when the therapy requires severalminutes of time for completion and the mask is disposed relatively closeto the face, often causing an uncomfortable, claustrophobic sensationover time to the patient.

A hands-free therapeutic experience is always better than having to holdthe device in a particular position for extended periods of time duringthe therapy. Numerous assemblies have been conceived for mounting masksand helmet-like devices to varieties of straps, bands, wraps and cords,which can result in a pressing of the support and mounting assemblyclosely against the hair or scalp of a patient. There is always a needto minimize the extent of such attachment assemblies so that on the onehand the subject device is securely attached on the patient, but alsothat the attaching structure has minimal consequence to the patient'scomfort during the therapy itself. Being relatively light in weight, andeasily and minimally supported during therapeutic use are important toconsumer acceptance.

As users come in a variety of shapes and sizes, devices should be sizeor area adjustable so that the therapy can be efficiently applied and/orselectively intensified to desired treatment areas.

Lastly, particularly in therapeutic devices treating facial areas, eyeprotection is needed to avoid light damage or irritation to a patient'seyes. Prior known devices have typically used separable patches whichmust rest on the eye area to block the therapeutic light fromcommunication to the eye system itself. There is a need for a better waythat is readily adaptable to communicate therapeutic light to areas nearthe eyes, particularly with regard to anti-aging treatments, and stillprotect the patient.

It is desired to provide alternative means of using the benefits of thelight therapy in a manner to maximize therapeutic efficiencies inexposure while maintaining ease and convenience of use. For this reason,a variety of light weight, flexible and adjustable embodiments aredisclosed within this disclosure incorporating a variety of energyvarying applications responsive to user conditions or needs.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments comprise phototherapy systems and devicescomprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDsare disposed in an assembly comprising a first wall to which the lampsare affixed thereto and a second wall, closer to the patient, spacedfrom the first wall wherein the lamps are recessed relative thereto. Thesecond wall comprises a reflective surface facing towards a patient anda plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs onthe first wall for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to auser. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed between the firstand second wall so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth andseamless towards the patient. The number of lamps are minimized, as isthe circuitry therefor, and other assembly materials are purposefullyselected for a relatively light weight assembly resulting in enhanceduser comfort during therapy sessions. The walls have a malleablerigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user. Moreparticularly, the walls have a concave configuration relative to theface of the user which is adjustable relative to a rest position to beexpandable relative to a size of the head of the user for a closefitting and secure engagement to the user during use. The device ismounted to the user with a frame comprising an eyeglass frame or gogglesincluding lenses for shielding the user's eyes from lamp radiation. Theadjustability of the embodiments is further enhanced by the walls beingpivotable relative to the support frame and where the frames may includetelescopic temple arms for selective adjustability relative to the headsize of the user. The device is thus supported on the patient as awearable hands-free mask or the like. A power source communicates energyto the lamps and comprises a remote battery pack and may also include acontrol processor for counting the number of uses by the device for theuser and for indicating a need for device replacement after apredetermined number of uses.

The present embodiments comprise an adjustable/flexible platform forproviding a light-based therapy that is adaptable to the user'sreceptive surfaces, whether based on size or condition, wherein thelight therapy can be applied without limitation of the kind of light andwithout limitation of the ultimate purpose of the therapy, i.e., beauty,health, and/or wound healing. Such sources can vary in the form of theradiant energy delivery. Pulsed light (IPL), focused light (lasers) andother methods of manipulating light energy are encompassed within thepresent embodiments. Other methods of light emission may comprisecontinuous, pulsed, focused, diffuse, multi wavelength, singlewavelength, visible and/or non-visible light wavelengths.

A present embodiment describes forms such as a shaped/fitted mask,goggles, eye mask, shroud or hood, and facial mask (collectivelyreferred to as “mask”) with LED light emitted from LED bulbs or LEDstrips that are capable of being adjusted to accommodate the variancesin face size or areas intended for therapeutic attention. Controlsystems are included to vary light intensity, frequency or direction.

The platform can be secured to the head by multiple means: eyeglassframes, straps, drawstring, harness, Velcro®, turn dial or snap andbuttons. As the mask is secured it can be adjusted upward, for chin toforehead coverage. It can also be adjusted outward, for side-to-sidecoverage. In addition, once the platform has been bent/slid to cover theface area, the distance of the platform from the skin can be adjustedfor achieving a desired light intensity relative to a user's skinsurface. Thus, the light therapy can be maximized in up to threephysical dimensions.

The subject adjustability may be implemented through “smart” processingand sensor systems for enhanced flexibility/adjustability in the form ofadjustable energy output, adjustable wavelengths, priority zones,timers, and the like. The sensors of the sensor systems will enable thesubject embodiments to have the ability to evaluate the skin of the faceand body of a patient with sensors for color, wrinkles, age spots, acne,lesion density, and the like, and plan a smart treatment, utilizing moreor less energy on the priority zones. The subject embodiments can besmart from the standpoint of skin type, age, overall severity ofproblems and have the ability to customize the treatment accordingly.

In yet another embodiment, the phototherapy system device includes analigned eye slot disposed for user to see through the device. Alsoincluded is a radiation absorbing layer interposed between the lamps andthe outer wall.

In yet another embodiment, the lamps are embedded in a flexible sheet offormable material and are integrally molded as strips within a materialsheet.

In addition, control systems can measure or count device usage andcommunicate historical usage, and indicate a time for replacement.

The present disclosure thus describes a fully flexible and adjustableLED device which provides improved usability and light dispersion.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a power source; acontrol circuit operatively connected to the power source, the controlcircuit including one or more outputs to drive one or more radiant lampsassociated with a therapeutic lamp platform; a user display; and a usercontrol switch, the control circuit configured to control one of aplurality of therapeutic lamp platforms, each lamp platform including aplurality of radiant lamps including a unique mixed combination ofdifferent wavelength radiant energy disposed to communicate the radiantenergy to a user treatment area.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a powersource; a control circuit operatively connected to the power source, thecontrol circuit including one or more outputs to drive one or moreradiant lamps associated with the phototherapy device; a user display;and a user control switch, the control circuit configured to control aplurality of therapeutic lamp platforms, each therapeutic lamp platformincluding a plurality of radiant lamps including one or more wavelengthsof radiant energy disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a usertreatment area.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a powersource; a control circuit operatively connected to the power source, thecontrol circuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality ofradiant lamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the pluralityof radiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelengthradiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user displayoperatively connected to the control circuit; and a user control switchoperatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to control a dosage amount of radiant energycommunicated to the user treatment area.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a power source; acontrol circuit operatively connected to the power source, the controlcircuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality of radiantlamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the plurality ofradiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelengthradiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user displayoperatively connected to the control circuit; and, a user control switchoperatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to limit a number of available doses from thecontroller to a predetermined number.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a powersource; a control circuit operatively connected to the power source, thecontrol circuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality ofradiant lamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the pluralityof radiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelengthradiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user displayoperatively connected to the control circuit; and a user control switchoperatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to display on the user display the time remainingfor an active dosage treatment session.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a powersource; a control circuit operatively connected to the power source, thecontrol circuit including one or more outputs to simultaneously drive aplurality of therapeutic lamp platforms; a user display; and a usercontrol switch, the control circuit configured to simultaneously controlthe plurality of therapeutic lamp platforms, each therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicateradiant energy to a user treatment area.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising a down source; acontrol circuit operatively connected to the power source, the controlcircuit including one or more outputs to simultaneously drive aplurality of therapeutic lamp platforms; a user display; and a usercontrol switch, the control circuit configured to simultaneously controlthe plurality of therapeutic lamp platform, each therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps including a mixedcombination of different wavelength radiant energy and the radian lampsdisposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a method of charging a power source operatively associatedwith a therapeutic lamp platform, the therapeutic lamp platformincluding a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate radiantenergy to a user treatment area, a rechargeable power source operativelyassociated with powering the plurality of radiant lamps, a controlcircuit operatively associated with controlling a dosage of radiantenergy provided to the user treatment area, and a charging portoperatively associated with charging the rechargeable power source froman external power source, the method comprising connecting a power portof a computing device to the therapeutic lamp platform charging portusing an electrical cable; launching a charging software application onthe computing device, the charging software application configuring thecomputing device to utilize a port operatively associated with thecomputing device to charge an external device; the computing devicecharging the therapeutic lamp platform rechargeable power source untilthe rechargeable power source reaches a substantially full charge; anddisconnecting the electrical cable from the therapeutic lamp platform.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a method of charging a power source operatively associated with atherapeutic lamp platform, the therapeutic lamp platform including aplurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate radiant energy to auser treatment area, a rechargeable power source operatively associatedwith powering the plurality of radiant lamps, a control circuitoperatively associated with controlling a dosage of radiant energyprovided to the user treatment area, and a charging port operativelyassociated with charging the rechargeable power source from an externalpower source, the method comprising connecting a power port of acomputing device to the therapeutic lamp platform charging port using anelectrical cable; the computing device charging the therapeutic lampplatform rechargeable power source until the rechargeable power sourcereaches a substantially full charge; and disconnecting the electricalcable from the therapeutic lamp platform.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps and a reflective walldisposed to communicate radiant energy to a user treatment area; a framefor supporting the platform on a user; a control circuit operativelymounted to one of the wearable therapeutic lamp platform and the frame;a rechargeable power source operatively mounted to one of the wearabletherapeutic lamp platform and the frame; and a charging port operativelymounted to one of the wearable therapeutic lamp platform and the frame,the charging port operatively associated with charging the rechargeablepower source, wherein the phototherapy device is configured to bechargeable by a mobile communication device and an electrical cableoperatively connected to the phototherapy device charging port and amobile communication device port configured to charge an externaldevice.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lamp platformincluding a plurality of radiant lamps including a mixed combination ofdifferent wavelength radiant energy and a reflective wall with aplurality of radiant energy communication areas aligned with the radiantlamps and disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatmentarea, and wherein the reflective wall is further formed to disperse theradiant energy over the user treatment area; a frame for supporting theplatform on a user; a control circuit operatively mounted to one of thewearable therapeutic lamp platform and the frame; a rechargeable powersource operatively mounted to one of the wearable therapeutic lampplatform and the frame; and a charging port operatively mounted to oneof the wearable therapeutic lamp platform and the frame, the chargingport operatively associated with charging the rechargeable power source,wherein the phototherapy device is configured to be chargeable by amobile communication device and an electrical cable operativelyconnected to the phototherapy device charging port and a mobilecommunication device port configured to charge an external device.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicateradiant energy to a user treatment area; a power source; a controlleroperatively associated with the therapeutic lamp platform and the powersource configured to limit a number of available doses of radiant energyprovided to a user, and the controller configured to communicate with anecommerce platform to obtain an additional number of available doses.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a portable computing device operatively associated with anoperatively connected wearable therapeutic lamp platform, the portablecomputing device comprising one or more processors and operativelyassociated memory storing instructions, the one or more processorsconfigured to execute the stored instructions to perform one or more ofa) executing an ecommerce application for a user to purchase a number oftherapy session dosages to be provided by the therapeutic lamp platform;b) monitoring a number of available therapy session dosages available onthe therapeutic lamp platform; c) perform diagnostics on the therapeuticlamp platform; d) monitoring the remaining time for an active therapysession dosage being provided by the therapeutic lamp platform; and e)controlling an execution of a therapy session dosage, wherein theportable computing device initiates the start of the therapy sessiondosage.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a phototherapy system comprising a phototherapy device including aplurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate radiant energy to auser treatment area, a rechargeable power source, and a controlleroperatively associated with controlling a delivery of the radiant energyto the user treatment area, wherein the plurality of radiant lamps, therechargeable power source and controller are housed by a mask shapedtherapeutic lamp platform wherein the phototherapy device is configuredto inductively charge the rechargeable battery; and an inductive chargerconfigured to charge the phototherapy device rechargeable battery.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lamp platformincluding a plurality of radiant lamps including a mixed combination ofdifferent wavelength radiant energy, and a reflective wall with aplurality of radiant energy communication areas aligned with the radiantlamps and disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatmentarea and a frame for supporting the platform on a user; wherein thereflective wall is further formed to disperse the radiant energy overthe treatment area, and the lamp platform includes an inductivelychargeable power system.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a phototherapy device comprising a therapeutic lamp platformincluding a mask including a plurality of radiant lamps having a mixedcombination of different wavelength radiant energy and disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area, the pluralityof radiant lamps further disposed to provide radiant therapy to providea first treatment session including a first set of wavelength radiantenergy, and a second treatment session including a second set ofwavelength radiant energy including at least one wavelength radiantenergy not provided in the first treatment session; and a frame forsupporting the mask on a user.

According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, providedis a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lamp platformincluding a plurality of radiant lamps including a mixed combination ofdifferent wavelength energy and a reflective wall with a plurality ofradiant energy apertures aligned with the radiant lamps and disposed tocommunicate the radiant lamps and disposed to communicate the radiantenergy to a user treatment area, and wherein the reflective wall isfurther formed to disperse the radiant energy over the treatment area;and a controller operatively associated operating the radiant lamps toprovide a first treatment session including a first set of wavelengthradiant energy, and a second treatment session including a second set ofwavelength radiant energy including at least one wavelength radiantenergy not provided in the first treatment session.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps and a reflective walldisposed to communicate radiant energy from the plurality of radiantlamps to a user treatment area including a scalp of the user, and thewearable lamp platform including a headband operatively associated withsupporting the plurality of radiant lamps and reflective wall above theuser's scalp.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure,provided is a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lampplatform including a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicateradiant energy from the plurality of radiant lamps to a user treatmentarea including a scalp of the user, and the wearable lamp platformincluding a helmet operatively associated with supporting the pluralityof radiant lamps five above the user's scalp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a therapeutic lampplatform comprising a wearable mask;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the controller B;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a two-wall structure of theembodiment of FIG. 1 wherein an inner wall includes light aperturesaligned with the LEDs for communicating the therapeutic light to theuser;

FIG. 7 is a second cross-sectional view taken along a verticalcenter-line;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view illustratingdisposition of recessed LED lamps relative to inner wall apertures;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein thepower supply and control circuitry are integrally formed with the maskassembly;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment wherein themask walls are spaced by a flange;

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a packaging assembly containing the deviceof FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 illustrates a try-me feature of the packaging of FIG. 11 whereina user can view a sample operation of the device;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of operational device control;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment including asee-through slot and a third light absorbing layer;

FIG. 16 (A) (B) (C) and (D) are elevated views of the assembled deviceof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment including eyeprotecting goggles;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment having a masksized for applying the LED therapy to the eye area;

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a front view and side view respectively ofa therapeutic lamp platform controller including a SIM cartridge refillaccording to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 20A and 2B is a schematic of a first therapeutic lamp platformcontroller as shown in FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of another second therapeutic lampplatform controller according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 21B is an exploded view of another second therapeutic lamp platformcontroller according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C is a schematic of the second therapeutic lampplatform controller shown in FIG. 21, according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the operational control of a therapeutic lampplatform according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, theoperational control including a Stand-By Mode, Normal Mode, Test Modeand Configure Mode;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of the operational control of a Normal Modeassociated with a therapeutic lamp platform controller according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of the operational control of a Battery ChargeMode associated with a therapeutic lamp platform controller according toan exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of the operational control of a ConfigurationMode associated with a therapeutic lamp platform controller according toan exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart of the operational control of a Test Modeassociated with a therapeutic lamp platform controller according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart of the operational control of a Stand-By Modeassociated with a therapeutic lamp platform controller including anindependent mask controller configured to determine authorization of amask/controller combination, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a system diagram including a therapeutic lamp platformcontroller simultaneously powering a plurality of phototherapy devices,including an Eye Mask, a Décolletage Device and a Hand RejuvenationDevice;

FIG. 30 illustrates a mobile device operatively associated with poweringa therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplary embedment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 31 is a detail view of the mobile device shown in FIG. 30;

FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate a therapeutic lamp platform including aninductively charged mask with an integrated controller, rechargeablebattery, and inductive charger, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthis disclosure;

FIGS. 33A and 33B show the docking of an inductively charged therapeuticlamp platform on an inductive charger according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C further illustrate the docking of an inductivelychargeable therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 35A and 35B show a corded therapeutic lamp platform including aninductively charged controller and inductive charger;

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the inductively charged therapeutic lampplatform shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 illustrates a combination therapeutic lamp platform maskproviding for a plurality of treatment radiation combinations, e.g. Acneand Anti-Aging, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 38 illustrates another combination therapeutic lamp platform maskproviding for a plurality of treatment radiation combinations, e.g. Acneand Anti-Aging, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 39A and 39B illustrate a therapeutic lamp platform configured tostimulate hair growth according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 40A and 40B illustrate a therapeutic lamp platform configured tostimulate hair growth including an integrated comb according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 41A and 41B are detail views of LED/Brush Bristle configurationsfor a therapeutic lamp platform configured to stimulate hair growth;

FIGS. 42A and 42B are detail views of radiant energy scalp coverageassociated with an exemplary embodiment of a therapeutic lamp platformconfigured to stimulate hair including LEDs without an associated lightpipe, and with an associated light pipe, respectively;

FIGS. 43A and 43B are further detail views of radiant energy scalpcoverage associated with a therapeutic lamp platform without a lightpipe and with a light pipe, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B;

FIGS. 44A and 44B illustrate another therapeutic lamp platformconfigured to stimulate hair growth including an eye glass frame andreflective layer, according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 45 is a detail view of an LED configuration of a therapeutic lampplatform configured to stimulate hair growth as shown in FIGS. 44A and44B;

FIGS. 46A and 46B illustrate another therapeutic lamp platformconfigured to stimulate hair growth including a helmet according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure; and

FIG. 47 is a detailed view of an LED configuration of a therapeutic lampplatform as shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B, configured to stimulate hairgrowth according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject embodiments relate to a phototherapy system includingmethods and devices, preferably comprising a wearable hands-free devicewith a remote battery pack for powering therapeutic lamps in the device.The subject devices display numerous benefits including a light platformwherein the platform and the lamps therein are properly positionablerelative to a user during use with no human touch. That is, structuralcomponentry of the device not only supports the lamp platform on theuser, but functions as a guide for the appropriate disposition of thelamps relative to the treatment areas of the user. The structuralassembly of the device precludes sharp or hot surfaces from beingengageable by a user as the lamps are recessed relative to an innerreflective surface closest to and facing the patient treatment surface.Circuit componentry to communicate power to the lamps is also encasedwithin the wall structure. Therapeutic light, shining through wallapertures, is communicated to the user while the lamps and the circuitryare effectively encased within the spaced wall structure. A smoothseamless surface is thus presented to the user that is properly spacedfor the desired therapeutic treatments, yet provides improvedventilation so that an aesthetic and appealing device surface ispresented to the user that minimizes user discomfort. Other benefitsrelate to the adjustability of the device in the form of a flexible maskwhich forms upon user receipt to match a treatment surface, e.g., a headsize, of the user. Smart componentry not only measures device usage, butmay also calculate lamp degradations so that a time for properreplacement can be communicated to a user. The overall assembly ispurposefully constructed of relatively light weight and minimizedcomponentry for ease of user use and comfort.

More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, subject embodimentspreferably comprise a lamp platform A and a remote battery pack B. Theplatform A is comprised of a wall structure 10 encasing the plurality oftherapeutic lamps such as red and blue LEDs 12 and circuitry 14 forcommunicating power to the lamps via cable 80 and connector 83 from thebattery pack B. Other radiant energy forms could also includefluorescents, lasers or infrareds. The wall structure 10 is mounted on asupport frame 20 connected via snap-out pivotal connections 22 whichallows the wall structure to adjust position via a slight pivot relativeto the frame 20. The frame 20 also includes protective lenses 24 and anose bridge 26. The temple arms 28 may be fixed or telescopic and hingerelative to the frame 20 so that the platform A can be mounted on a userin a hands-free support manner via resting on the nose with the nosebridge 26 and the ears with temple arms 28.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 it can be seen that the wallstructure 10 is comprised of an outer wall 50 and an inner wall 52. Theouter wall is disposed furthest away from the treatment surface of theuser, while the inner wall 52 is disposed closer thereto. The walls havea concave configuration in both horizontal and vertical directions andare constructed of a plastic material having a malleable rigidity sothat the structure 10 can be bent and deflected slightly during use. Theconcavity comprises a multi-dimensional parabolic curvature for catchingand reflecting the radiation back to the treatment areas. It is intendedthat the concavity is slightly smaller than the head of the user so thatthe mask has to be bent out when applied thereby providing a close butcomfortable tightness on the user which will keep the assembly A in adesired position during use. The concavity also positions thetherapeutic lamps or LEDs 12 in desired positions relative to the user.The spacing 54 between walls 50 and 52 receives the lamps 12 andcircuitry 14 so that the lamps and circuitry are interposed between thewalls for enhanced safety and convenience purposes. It can be seen thatthe spacing is diminished from the middle of the device towards the endportions 58, 60; however, the entire end perimeter of the assembly 10 issealed as the walls come together. Such a mating seal is typicallyeffected through a sonic weld arrangement. Alternatively, local sealingpoints (not shown) can be employed to assemble the walls together withspaced intermediate seals. Thus, the inner and outer masks havedifferent radii of concavity but present an integral structure as far asthe user is concerned. The outer wall 50 primarily functions as asupport for the lamps 12 and circuitry 14. With reference to FIG. 4 itcan be seen that the lamps are disposed on the wall 50 in apredetermined manner for radiating treatment areas most susceptible forthe phototherapeutic treatment. A minimum number of lamps 12 areintended but still enough to provide effective therapy. Alternatively,the lamps could be fixed to the inner wall 52. Regardless of which wallsupports the lamps, the lamps need to be properly aligned with apertures70 to desired treatment areas.

Rather than placing a plurality of LEDs randomly, the subject LEDs arespecifically minimized in number and disposed relative to the treatmentareas and wall parabolic reflectivity to effect the desired therapy.More particularly, it can be seen that the individual lamps 12, andassociated inner wall apertures 70, are disposed to treat the mostcommon areas benefiting from the therapy. The present embodimentsillustrate a placement pattern useful for skin acne treatment. Otherplacement patterns are certainly intended to fall within the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments. Here three LED strips are seen and wouldtypically comprise two blue strips on the top and bottom of a middle redstrip, as these frequencies are most useful for acne treatment. Thesubject invention may include only blue, only red, or any other mixedcombination of LED or other radiant energy form pattern. The illustratedpattern would thus have intensified therapeutic effect on the jaw line,chin, cheek and forehead, but not the eyelids. Light sources can includeLEDs, fluorescents, lasers or infrareds as an example. Such sources canvary in the form of the radiant energy delivery. Pulsed light (IPL),focused light (lasers) and other methods of manipulating light energyare encompassed within the present embodiments. Other methods of lightemission may comprise continuous, pulsed, focused, diffuse, multiwavelength, single wavelength, visible and/or non-visible lightwavelengths.

The inner wall 52 is comprised of a smooth seamless reflective surfacefacing the treatment area and includes a plurality of apertures 70matingly aligned relative to the lamps so that the lamps can radiate thetherapeutic light 57 through the apertures 70. Accordingly, the LEDs 12are recessed relative to the inner wall 52 to preclude contact with thetreatment surface and to make it very difficult for the lamps themselvesto be in any way contacted by the user. Such an assembly results in acontrolled communication of radiating therapy in a manner to impart apredetermined cone of therapeutic light on to a treatment area. Theapertures are disposed relative to desired treatment areas and wallparabolic configuration for even light distributions across thetreatment area. A combination of such a controlled cone of light,predetermined disposition of the lamps themselves on the platform, aninner reflective surface on the inner wall 52, and a controlledpositioning of the assembly relative to the treatment area via aplatform position relative to contact areas of the nose and the ears,presents an assembly which presents a highly predictable distributivepattern of the light (predetermined cones of light per light source),thereby minimizing the number of lamps 12 that need to be included foreffective treatment.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, one embodiment comprises a supportframe essentially comprising eyeglass frames as the associated supportstructure for the platform 10. Interchangeable lenses 24 can be used toadjust the level of protection afforded by the lenses or their relativeshape. Although not shown therein, telescopic temple arms 28 maytelescope for better sizing relative to the head size of the user.Formable ear latches can also be included as part of the temple arms.Alternatively, the arms could include a head strap. The pivotable joints22 allow the wall structure to pivot relative to the frames so that auser may adjust light intensity relative to a treatment area by movingthe layers closer or farther away. As noted above, the platform 10 isflexible with a concave parabolic bias, but still has a malleablerigidity. When the frame 10 is received on the user, it is disposed toexpand the platform parabolic bias to form a match to the size of theuser. Eyeglass frame reference contact points of the user may comprisethe nasion area, the nose bridge and the ears of the user.Alternatively, the support frame can comprise a goggle and head strapconfiguration relying on the nasion area.

Battery pack B (FIG. 5) holds the supply batteries 81 and processingcontroller 82 that is in electrical communication with the lamps throughwire 80. The wiring between connectors 83 and LED strips 12 is not shownto avoid drawing clutter but is contained between walls 50, 52. Thebattery pack will include an on-off switch 84 and a user interface 86.The processing controller 82 may include a variety of control systemsindicating device usage to the user. Such a system would be a counter.The user interface may comprise a display for a variety of usefulinformation from the controller control systems to the user, such as acount of the number of times of usage and communication that the devicehas been used enough times such that the LEDs themselves have degradedand a replacement is recommended for the therapy.

“Try-me packaging”, FIGS. 11 and 12, presents a demonstrative useopportunity to a potential user while still packaged. The subjectembodiments further include a packaging assembly 210 containing thedevice wherein a switch 51 (not shown) for operating the lamp assemblyhas a multi-position effect functionality including an on-mode, anoff-mode and a try-me mode. The try-me mode is accessible while the lampassembly is contained in packaging for displaying lamp operation to auser. The packaging includes a clear or translucent cover 212 over thedevice A. A try-me time-out circuit is included for limiting the try-medisplay time of lamp operation, such as, for example two seconds. Lampon-time as measured by the counter is segregable from the try-me mode sothat try-me usage will not affect dosage count of the device for actualtherapy. It is assumed try-me usage time will be negligible relative toa dosage use time.

The subject devices include multiple benefits to the user in a wearablehands-free device with a remote battery pack. The device is properlypositionable in a relatively automatic way with minimal human touch byexploiting user reference contact points, and is particularly hand-freeduring use. No sharp or hot surfaces are engageable by the user. Asmooth seamless surface faces the user and is properly spaced from thetreatment area to provide enhanced ventilation and minimal discomfortduring treatment.

With particular reference to FIG. 14, a flowchart illustrating anoperational embodiment of a device control is illustrated. The devicevisioned as operational by FIG. 10 includes two switches, S1, S2, atleast one of which are required to be closed to communicate energy froman energy source to the therapeutic lamps. S2 is a safety switch whichis open when the device is in sales packaging so that only the “try-me”mode is enabled when S2 is open. After removal from the packaging, S2can be closed and the device can be operated in a normal mode.Accordingly, after start 100, and in a situation when S2 is opened 102,such as when the device is still within the packaging, the system willremain in a stand-by mode wherein the GUI interface (such as a LCD) isoff 104. If S2 remains closed 106 but S1 is pressed 108 (e.g. FIG. 12),then the device can enter the “try-me” mode 110 wherein the LEDs willlight up for two seconds, then turn off 112. Such a “try-me” modeoperational demonstration to a user while the device is in a packagingcommunicates to the user actual operation and can assist in a decisionto purchase, or have a better understanding of how the device operates.If the device is removed from the packaging, and S2 is closed, thedevice will enter normal mode 114 wherein the GUI will include a LCDdisplaying the number of cycles left according to a counter value 116.Note that counter value 134 is not affected by any try-me samplingoperation.

In one embodiment, the unit will count down from 55 to 1, as 55 uses isdeemed to be enough to diminish enough LED efficiency from the peakoperational mode of LEDs when they are used as the therapeutic radiantlamps. Accordingly, upon a user picking up the device, they willimmediately know how many cycles are left for acceptable and recommendedoperation of the device from 55 more uses all the way down to 0 118. Ifthe display shows a count greater than 0, and the user is interested ina therapy session, the user will turn the unit on by pressing S1 120wherein the LEDs will ramp up to radiant operation 122 in approximately1.5 seconds and then will radiate continuously 124 until either the userdesires to turn off the unit by again pressing S1 126 so that the LEDscan ramp down 128 or until a therapy session has timed out 130 such asfor remaining radiant for approximately ten minutes. After completing anappropriate run time of a therapy session, the LEDs will ramp down 132and the GUI display to the user will subtract 1 from the counter value134.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternative embodiment is shownwherein a controller B is eliminated and the energy source andprocessing control are all integrally assembled in the device 90. Inthis case, the platform 20 and walls 50, 52 remain substantially thesame as per the FIG. 1 device. However, the energy source such asbatteries 92 are disposed as part of the eyeglass temple arms whereinwires provide energy from the batteries 92 to the LEDs through the hingepoints of the frame 20 and into the spacing 54 for ultimate connectionto the LEDs themselves. The controller 94 including LCD display 96 isalso housed behind the reflective wall 52 relative to the user, whichwall 52 can include a relatively small cutout (not shown) for the screen96.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is thus even more compact than theembodiment of FIG. 1, and more hands-free therefrom, as it eliminatesthe need to somehow manage the controller B during operation.

FIG. 11 shows yet another alternative embodiment wherein the outer wall50′ and the inner wall 52′ are not spaced by being configured withdifferent curvatures. Rather, the walls 50′, 52′ have the samecurvature, but the inner wall 52 has an off step 300 depending from thewall perimeter to form a flange raised from the surface of the wall 52′towards the outer wall 50′ to effectively form a spacer between the two.In one embodiment, the flange 300 is about 8 millimeters wide, continuesaround the entire perimeter of the wall 52′ and is about 0.5 millimetersthick for effecting the desired spacing between the inner and outerwalls. In this embodiment the flange 300 is part of the inner wall 52′,and as in the foregoing embodiment, both walls are vacuumed formedplastic, either PET or PVC. The assembly of FIG. 11 can be sonic welded,glued, or adhered with double-sided adhesive. Alternatively, a pluralityof intermediate sealing points (not shown) could be used instead of acontinuous seal. In this embodiment it can be seen that there is analternative number of LEDs 12′ opposite the forehead portion of theassembly relative to the user so that the number of apertures 70′ andLEDs 12′ are reduced from the foregoing embodiment from eighteen tofifteen. Either number are viable implementations of the desiredtherapy, although the other componentry of the assembly FIG. 11 issubstantially the same as that shown in the foregoing figures.

Another alternative embodiment from the device shown in FIG. 1, etc.includes disposition of a transparent flexible polymer sheet (not shown)incorporating working LED lights between outer wall 50 and inner wall52. Such a configuration would comprise the polymer film being coatedwith a transparent thin layer of carbon nanotubes in a specificconfiguration to act as the wire pathways to connect LED lights. Thepolymer would protect the LEDs from user contact. Such protectivepolymers are available under the Lumisys® brand.

Yet another alternative embodiment includes such a transparent flexiblepolymer sheet wherein a reflective film is applied on top of theflexible polymer sheet including cutouts opposite the LEDs for allowingthe radiant light to communicate through a reflective area in a manneras shown in the relationship of FIG. 4 between the LEDs' 12 inner wall52 through aperture 70. This arrangement may also include a flexibleouter wall 50 on the other side of the flexible polymer sheet to providemalleable rigidity to the film, reflective coating assembly.

Yet another alternative embodiment includes a plurality of sensors (notshown), such as temperature or radiant energy sensors, disposed relativeto inner wall 52 to monitor radiant energy exposure of a user duringtherapy. If such exposure is deemed inappropriate for any reason,sensing thereof is recognized by controller B and the therapy can behalted.

FIG. 15 shows yet another alternative embodiment including an outershield 150 including a see-through slot 152, an inner reflective shield154, and eyeglass assembly 156, and LED strips 158. These elements aresubstantially similar, but for the see-through slot 152 andcorresponding aligned slots, as the foregoing embodiments.Alternatively, this embodiment includes a third layer 160 intermediatethe outer shield 150 and the inner shield 154. Layer 160 preferablycomprises a thin opaque black plastic sheet which serves to absorb orblock out lamp radiation and eliminate all light leakage from the frontof the mask, i.e., out through the outer shield 150. Layer 160 ispreferably affixed to the inside of the outer layer 150 and then the LEDstrips are affixed to the layer 160. The strips 158 still remainrecessed relative to the inner surface 162 of the inner shield 154 forthe benefits noted above. FIG. 15 also shows a controller assembly cable164 and an eyeglass assembly mounting post 166. The eyeglass assemblylenses 168 are tinted but do not preclude a user to see through theinner shield slot 170, the third layer slot 172 and the outer shieldsee-through slot 152. The aligned slots 152, 170, 172 comprise acontinuous viewing opening that is an integral part of the mask. A layer160 is sized to provide perimeter spacing from the outer perimeter ofthe outer shield 150. When the unit is operating and the LEDs areilluminated, this provides a perimeter illumination to an observer ofthe user which not only communicates that the unit is in operation butprovides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In one embodiment the LED strips 158 are preferably attached to theintermediate third layer 160 by being received in corresponding pockets(not shown) in the layer 160. Alternatively, they can be adhesivelyapplied to the layer 160. The wires between the strips 158 are very thinand just rest between the middle layer and the inner shield 154, i.e.,no special wire routing. There is accommodation for the main cable andstrain relief—leading to the first LED strip. The whole middle layerassembly fits into the chamfered recess in the inner shield 154, andthere are locating points top/bottom and left/right. This is securedwith double-sided tape. The middle layer/LED strips/inner shieldassembly is completed by the outer shield 150 (also by double-sidedtape). There are several sonic welds 180 (FIG. 16) that permanentlysecure the layers together. Assembled perspective views 174, 176 areshown. FIG. 16 (A), (B), (C), and (D) illustrate elevated views of theembodiment of FIG. 15 when assembled.

FIG. 17 is yet another alternative embodiment which differs from theembodiment of FIG. 15 in that the see-through slots 152, 170, 172 havebeen eliminated and the eyeglass assembly 190 no longer has tintedlenses, but radiant light blocking goggles 192. Like elements from FIG.15 are same numbered and primed. In this embodiment, the eyes are to beprotected from any of the radiant energy emitted by the lamps. Such anembodiment is particularly useful for a phototherapeutic treatment ofred and infrared light for an anti-aging therapy. A red light evens skintone and reduces roughness. Infrared light reduces the appearance offine lines and wrinkles. However, whatever radiant energy may beemployed, the goggles 192 completely shield the eyes from the radiantenergy.

FIG. 18 is yet another embodiment where the mask assembly 220 is sizedto only treat the eye area of a patient so that the assembled mask ismuch smaller than that shown in FIG. 17. The LED strips 158″ aredisposed in a different arrangement from that FIG. 16 but the otherelements are essentially the same including the protective goggles 192″.

It is a common feature of the embodiments described thus far that theLED lamps remain recessed relative to the inner surface 162 of the innershield 154 for comfort and safety purposes relative to the user.

With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, illustrated is a front view andside view respectively of a therapeutic lamp platform controllerincluding a SIM cartridge refill according to an exemplary embodiment ofthis disclosure.

As shown, the controller includes a battery charger port 302, a chargestate indication 304, a LCD display 306, an On/Off button 308, a dosagerefill cartridge 310 and a cable 312 which is operatively connected to alight therapy platform mask.

The SIM cartridge refill 310 provides a manner for a user to purchaseadditional dosages for the device. For example, a user may purchase aSIM cartridge refill cartridge which authorizes an additional 30, 60, or90 dosages. In operation, the controller communicates with the SIMcartridge after the user attaches to the device and a series of programinstructions are performed to validate the SIM cartridge and activate anadditional number of available dosages to be delivered by the device. Inaddition, controller program instructions are provided to deactivate theuse of SIM cartridge refill after the controller dosage counter has beenincreased by the SIM cartridge refill replenishment dosage amount.

With reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B, shown is a schematic of a firsttherapeutic lamp platform controller as shown in FIG. 5, according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the controller includes a microcontroller U1 which executesprogram instructions based on a control program, as well as inputsassociated with switch SW1 (On/Off Button), S2 (Try Me Switch) andswitch S4 which resets the device. The microcontroller U1 drives a 4×4LCD as well as the lamp radiation LEDs D1-D18 using circuitry includingcapacitors C4, C3, C6, C5, and C10, Batteries B1 and B2, Resistors R70,R80, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R8, R22, R23, R21, R20, RR19,R18, R17, and R16, and driver circuit including resistor R2, andtransistor Q1.

With reference to FIG. 21A, illustrated is a perspective view of anothersecond therapeutic lamp platform controller according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure, and FIG. 21B, shows an exploded view ofanother second therapeutic lamp platform controller according to anexemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the controller 320 includes a front housing 322, a LCD display324, an On/Off button switch 326, a PCB 328, a rear housing 338, aplurality of batteries 344 and a battery cover 348.

With reference to FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C, illustrated is a schematic ofthe second therapeutic lamp platform controller shown in FIG. 21,according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the controller includes a microcontroller U1 which drives LCD1, and communicates with microcontroller U2 which is housed within amask. The circuitry shown in FIG. 22A resides in the controller and thecircuitry shown in FIG. 22B resides in the mask.

By operating a second microcontroller housed within the mask,microcontroller U1 can execute instructions to determine if a mask isauthorized to be operated by the controller.

In contrast to the controller illustrated schematically in FIGS. 20A and20B, the controller shown in FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C includes circuitryto monitor various states of the battery to provide notification to auser that the battery requires charging/replacement, in addition toinsuring adequate power for executing an active dosage request.

With reference to FIG. 23, shown is a flow chart of the operationalcontrol of a therapeutic lamp platform according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure, the operational control including aStand-By Mode, Normal Mode, Test Mode and Configure Mode.

With reference to FIG. 24, illustrated is a flow chart of theoperational control of a Normal Mode S368 associated with a therapeuticlamp platform controller according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure.

At step S392, the control program determines if a dosage counter valueis 0, and if true proceeds to step S394 to display “0” notifying theuser that the controller requires additional dosage authorization orreplacement, and then proceeds to exit to Stand-By Mode at step S364.

If the dosage counter is greater than 0, the control program proceeds tostep S398 to determine if the battery voltage is low. If a low batteryvoltage condition is detected, the control program proceeds to step S400and enters Battery Charge Mode.

If the battery voltage is acceptable, the control program executes stepS402 to display “Hi” and step S404 displays the dosage counter.

At step S406, the control program waits for the On/Off button to bepressed for 1 second, where the control program exits to Stand-By Modeif switch S1 is not pressed for 1 second. After S1 switch is pressed for1 second, the control program proceeds to step S412 to determine if themask is authorized to be operated with the controller.

If the mask is not authorized, the control program flashes “00” twotimes on the LCD at step S410 and then proceeds to Stand-By Mode at stepS408. If the mask is authorized, the control program proceeds to stepS414 to ramp up power to the LEDs in 0.5 seconds, and step S416 to turnthe LEDs continuously “On”, step S418 to start the LCD countdownindicating the amount of time remaining for the current active dosagesession.

At step S420, the control program monitors S1, where the user pressingthe On/Off button for 1 second will initiate the terminating of theactive dosage session by the control program executing step S424 toramp-down the LED power in 1.5 seconds, step S426 to decrement dosagecounter by 1, step S428 to display on the LCD the remaining number ofdosages available and step S364 to exit to Stand-By Mode.

If, at step S420, switch S1 is not pressed, the control program executesstep S422 to monitor the time expired for the current active dosagesession and executes steps S416, S418, S420 and S422 until the dosagetime limit has been reached, at which point steps S424, S426, S428 andS364 are sequentially executed during an LED power down process aspreviously described.

With reference to FIG. 25, shown is a flow chart of the operationalcontrol of a Battery Charge Mode S400 associated with a therapeutic lampplatform controller according to an exemplary embodiment of thisdisclosure.

As shown, the control executes step S432 to blink “Lo” on the LCDcontinuously to notify the user the battery is low, and if the userpresses the On/Off control switch (S1) while the battery is low, stepS436 blinks the mask LEDs to provide additional notification to the userthe battery needs recharged/replaced.

With reference to FIG. 26, illustrated is a flow chart of theoperational control of a Configuration Mode S380 associated with atherapeutic lamp platform controller according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the controller executes step S442 to get a “Start Dose” valuevia Tx/Rx, where step S444 sets the dosage limit at 30 doses, step S446provides 60 doses and step S448 provides 90 doses.

At step S450, the control program displays the “Start Dose” valueselected, and at S452 the “Counter Value” is set to the value selected,i.e. 30, 60, or 90 doses.

At step S364, the control program exits to Stand-By Mode.

As shown, after the control program enters Test Mode, step S462 isexecuted to provide a LCD Quick Display Test, step S464 displays the LCDbonding status, step S466 sets “Display Value” to ⁰¹. “=05”, step S468blinks “Display Value” and step S470 proceeds to exit to Stand-By Modeat step S364 unless switch S3 is closed by the user, in which case thecontrol program proceeds to step S472 and if S1 is not pressed, thecontrol program repeats execution of step S468. If switch S1 is pressed,the control program proceeds to step S474 and compares the counterdosage value with the start dosage value.

If the counter dosage value is not equal to the start dosage value, thecontrol program returns to step S468, otherwise step S478 lights up theLEDs for 2 seconds and step S476 decrements the displayed dosage countervalue.

At step S480, if the display value equals 0, then the control programproceeds to step S468, otherwise the control program proceeds to stepS482 and displays “00” for 2 seconds and then exits to Stand-By Mode atstep S634.

With reference to FIG. 27, shown is a flow chart of the operationalcontrol of a Test Mode S372 associated with a therapeutic lamp platformcontroller according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 28, illustrated is a flow chart of theoperational control of a Stand-By Mode S949 associated with atherapeutic lamp platform controller including an independent maskcontroller configured to determine authorization of a mask/controllercombination, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, at step S496, the mask controller receives an authorizationquery from the controller.

At step S498, the mask controller determines if the controller/mask isauthorized to be operated, where step S500 denies power to the LEDs ifproper authorization is not obtained and S502 allows power to the LEDsif the controller/mask is authorized.

With reference to FIG. 29, shown is a system diagram including atherapeutic lamp platform controller 320 simultaneously powering aplurality of phototherapy devices, including an Eye Mask 512, aDécolletage Device 514 and a Hand Rejuvenation Device 516, operativelyconnected with cable 518. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecontroller multiplexes electrical power delivered to the phototherapydevices to utilize a limited power capacity of the device.Alternatively, the controller can include a sufficient battery capacityto drive all devices continuously and/or include separate LED drivingcircuits, one for each device.

Simultaneous powering of multiple phototherapy devices provides a mannerof treating multiple user treatment areas at the same time. According toone exemplary embodiment, multiple treatment areas of a user's body aretreated with one single dosage period. Alternatively, multiple dosageperiods can be used where each device utilizes one dosage period. Inaddition, the controller is configured to execute program instructionsto authenticate any device operatively attached to controller 320 viacable 518, for example, by executing a data handshake with thephototherapy device.

With reference to FIG. 30, illustrated is a mobile device 524operatively associated with powering a therapeutic lamp platform 522using an operating connected cable according to an exemplary embedmentof this disclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the therapeutic lamp platform 522is a reusable mask and mobile device 524 is a smart phone. The smartphone provides a platform to conduct ecommerce through the use of a lampplatform application where a user can electronically purchase additionaldosages to be delivered by the mask 522. Cable 526 provides both powerto the LEDs and enables authorization of the mask to “turn on”,verifying that the user has a valid dose remaining, where circuitryhoused within the mask communicates with the smart phone.

Due to power limitations, i.e. limited current draw, associated withsome mobile devices, power to the mask LEDs can be multiplexed. Forexample, a smart phone supplies power at 3.5 volts at 150 mA to themask, and control circuity housed within the mask multiplexes the arrayof mask LEDs to provide a reduced amount of radiation to the usertreatment area, where an increased dosage period of time may be providedby the controller.

In addition to providing powering of the mask, the mobile device alsocan provide functionality and control of the mask. In other words, themobile device provides the controller functionality previously describedand also additional functionality, such as tracking of skin improvementusing images of the treatment area captured by the mobile device camera.

With reference to FIG. 31, shown is a detail view of the mobile deviceshown in FIG. 30.

With reference to FIGS. 32A and 32B, illustrated is a therapeutic lampplatform including an inductively charged mask 532 with an integratedcontroller, rechargeable battery, and inductive charger 534, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 33A and 33B, shown is the magnetic docking of aninductively charged therapeutic lamp platform 532 on an inductivecharger 534 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C, further illustrated is themagnetic docking of an inductively chargeable therapeutic lamp platform542 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the inductive charging system includes a mask 542 and aninductive charger 544. The mask 542 includes a charger coil 546 and theinductive charger 544 includes a corresponding charger coil 544. Inaddition, the mask 542 includes a light 550, a controller 552 and LEDstrips 554. During a charging operation, the mask charger coil 546 andthe inductive charger coil 544 are operatively mated on the chargingdock to inductively charge the mask battery, as shown in FIG. 34C.

With reference to FIGS. 35A and 35B, shown is a corded 568 therapeuticlamp platform 562 including an inductively charged controller 566 andinductive charger 564.

With reference to FIG. 36, illustrated is an exploded view of theinductively charged therapeutic lamp platform 532 shown in FIG. 32.

As shown, the therapeutic lamp platform 532 includes a mask trim 572,outer layer 574, middle layer 576, LED strips 578, inductive chargingassembly 580, locator plate 582, a PCB 584, inner layer 586, trim 588,eyeglass frame 590, LIPO battery 592 and trim 594.

According to an exemplary embodiment of a light therapy platforminductive mask and charger, the mask includes a parabolic shape, comfortglasses, 27 LEDs, view through window and integrated power button. Theinductive charging technology shown in the figures provides wirelesscharging of the mask. In addition, magnetic docking the charger converts110 VAC→an appropriate DC charging voltage, such as 5 VDC, and themagnetic alignment using the coils previously referred to provide foroptimal alignment of the mask with the charger to efficiently charge themask battery.

With reference to FIG. 37, illustrated is a combination therapeutic lampplatform mask 600 providing for a plurality of treatment radiationcombinations, e.g. Acne and Anti-Aging, according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure.

As shown, the combination therapeutic lamp platform includes maskstructure 602, eyeglass frame 604, eye covers 606, LED1 608, LED2 610,LED3 612, and cable 614 which is operatively connected to a controller.

During operation, a user can select a desired treatment from one of aplurality of treatments provided by the mask LEDs placement, radiationwavelength and/or controller configuration.

With reference to FIG. 38, illustrated is another combinationtherapeutic lamp platform mask 620 providing for a plurality oftreatment radiation combinations, e.g. Acne and Anti-Aging, according toan exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, where a lens 622 isprovided.

Other variations of the combination lamp platform mask include aspecific layout of LEDs for each treatment, for example anti-agingradiation LEDs aligned to areas of the face normally affected by age.Another example includes aligning acne LEDs to key facial features inthe T-zone and around the jawline.

Furthermore, control variations include a combination treatment whereall LEDs are radiating simultaneously to provide a plurality oftreatments, such as acne and anti-aging; configurable controllersettings for a user to choose a specific treatment and treatmentschedule; and configurable controller settings to program the mask tostart with a first treatment and run until completion and then begin asecond treatment.

According to another exemplary embodiment of a combination lampplatform, multi-color LEDs are mounted to the mask, the multi-color LEDswavelength, i.e. color, controllable by the device controller to selecta treatment regimen they would like to implement and the appropriateLEDs, along with radiation wavelength, are activated. Other controloptions include cycling the LED colors through various treatment modes,providing simultaneous treatment of multiple skin conditions, andallowing the user to program which areas of their face require specifictreatments, e.g. acne on the forehead and anti-aging around smile lines,where the control software turns on the appropriate LED in thesespecific facial regions. Furthermore, the combination lamp platform canbe connected to a mobile device such as a smart phone with a dedicatedapplication, an image of the user treatment area captured by the smartphone and the software application performs an analysis of the user'sskin condition(s) and custom tailors the LED treatment regimen based onthe image analysis.

With reference to FIGS. 39A and 39B, illustrated is a therapeutic lampplatform configured to stimulate hair growth according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 39A, the therapeutic lamp platform, i.e., hair growthlight therapy device 630, includes a LED 636 support structure 632attached to a head band 634. FIG. 39B shows a hair growth light therapydevice 640 including an extended LED support structure 642 foradditional coverage of a scalp.

To use the device 630, a user uses the headband 634 to removably attachthe device to the scalp area, where the placement of the headband behindthe users ears provide positioning of the LEDs as indicated.

With reference to FIGS. 40A and 40B, illustrated is a therapeutic lampplatform configured to stimulate hair growth including an integratedcomb 652 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Theintegrated comb bristles provide parting of hair to improve theefficiency of the radiation treatment provided by LEDs 636.

With reference to FIGS. 41A and 41B, shown are detail views of LED/BrushBristle configurations for a therapeutic lamp platform 630 and 640configured to stimulate hair growth. Part lines 662 are provided bybrush/bristles 652, and a recessed hair line is indicated as referencecharacter 664 and crown area by reference character 666.

With reference to FIGS. 42A and 42B, illustrated are detail views ofradiant energy scalp coverage 674 and 684 associated with an exemplaryembodiment of a therapeutic lamp platform configured to stimulate hairincluding LEDs 636 without an associated light pipe, and with anassociated light pipe 682, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 42A, the therapeutic lamp platform includes an outerhousing 672, and LED 636 with generating radiation cone 674 providinghair growth coverage on a scalp 676, including hair follicles 678.

In comparison, FIG. 42B includes a light pipe 682 which provides aradiation cone 684 which is narrower than radiation cone 674, but hasthe advantage of an increased in radiation intensity for a givencontroller output, controlled by the light pipe diameter.

With reference to FIGS. 43A and 43B, shown are further detail views ofradiant energy scalp coverage associated with a therapeutic lampplatform without a light pipe and with a light pipe, respectively, asshown in FIGS. 42A and 42B.

With reference to FIGS. 44A and 44B, illustrated is another therapeuticlamp platform 690 and 700 configured to stimulate hair growth includinga helmet design with an eye glass frame 696 reflective layer 702 andlens 694, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 45, shown is a detail view of an LEDconfiguration of a therapeutic lamp platform configured to stimulatehair growth as shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, where LEDs 636 are alignedalong part lines 662 associated with recessed hair line 664 and crown666. Area 704 is associated with an extended coverage area provided bythe lamp platform. This configuration provides a radiation bath whichtargets all problem areas at once. A reflective layer attached to theinside surface of the helmet provides a more intense treatment.

With reference to FIGS. 46A and 46B, illustrated is another therapeuticlamp platform configured to stimulate hair growth including a helmet 710according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The hair growthlamp platform includes a plurality of LEDs mounted to a shell 712, wherean adjustable tensioner 714 and knob arrangement control the fitting ofthe helmet to a user's head. Extra padding at the back of the helmetprovides additional support and comfort.

With reference to FIG. 47, shown is a detailed view of an LED 636configuration of a therapeutic lamp platform as shown in FIGS. 45A and45B, configured to stimulate hair growth according to an exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure. As shown, the detailed view includes acrown area 666, recessed hair line area, and part lines 662 which aresubstantially aligned with LEDs 636.

Some portions of the detailed description herein are presented in termsof algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitsperformed by conventional computer components, including a centralprocessing unit (CPU), memory storage devices for the CPU, and connecteddisplay devices. These algorithmic descriptions and representations arethe means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to mosteffectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in theart. An algorithm is generally perceived as a self-consistent sequenceof steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principallyfor reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein,it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or“determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical(electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

The exemplary embodiment also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations discussed herein. This apparatus may be specially constructedfor the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type ofdisk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any typeof media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupledto a computer system bus.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the methods described herein. The structure for avariety of these systems is apparent from the description above. Inaddition, the exemplary embodiment is not described with reference toany particular programming language. It will be appreciated that avariety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachingsof the exemplary embodiment as described herein.

A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For instance, a machine-readable medium includes read onlymemory (“ROM”); random access memory (“RAM”); magnetic disk storagemedia; optical storage media; flash memory devices; and electrical,optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrierwaves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), just to mention a fewexamples.

The methods illustrated throughout the specification, may be implementedin a computer program product that may be executed on a computer. Thecomputer program product may comprise a non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium on which a control program is recorded, such as a disk,hard drive, or the like. Common forms of non-transitorycomputer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexibledisks, hard disks, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic storage medium,CD-ROM, DVD, or any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or cartridge, or any other tangiblemedium from which a computer can read and use.

Alternatively, the method may be implemented in transitory media, suchas a transmittable carrier wave in which the control program is embodiedas a data signal using transmission media, such as acoustic or lightwaves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared datacommunications, and the like.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined intomany other different systems or applications. Various presentlyunforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations orimprovements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in theart which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic lamp platform controllercomprising: a power source; a control circuit operatively connected tothe power source, the control circuit including one or more outputs todrive a plurality of radiant lamps associated with a therapeutic lampplatform, the plurality of radiant lamps including a mixed combinationof different wavelength radiant energy and the plurality of radiantlamps disposed to communicate the radiant energy to a user treatmentarea; a user display operatively connected to the control circuit; and auser control switch operatively connected to the control circuit,wherein the control circuit is configured to control a dosage amount ofradiant energy communicated to the user treatment area.
 2. Thetherapeutic lamp platform controller according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to limit the number of available dosesfrom the controller to a predetermined number.
 3. The therapeutic lampplatform controller according to claim 2, wherein the predeterminednumber of doses is from 2 to
 1000. 4. The therapeutic lamp platformcontroller according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to display on the user display a number of available dosesremaining to be delivered by the controller.
 5. The therapeutic lampplatform controller according to claim 1, wherein the dosage amount isassociated with a dosage radiant energy amount for a dosage timeduration.
 6. The therapeutic lamp platform controller according to claim5, wherein the control circuit is configured to display on the userdisplay the remaining time for an active treatment.
 7. The therapeuticlamp platform controller according to claim 1, wherein the power sourceis a battery and the control circuit is configured to detect a low powerstate associated with the battery and display on the user display anindication that the battery requires one of replacing and charging.
 8. Atherapeutic lamp platform controller comprising: a power source; acontrol circuit operatively connected to the power source, the controlcircuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality of radiantlamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the plurality ofradiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelengthradiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user displayoperatively connected to the control circuit; and, a user control switchoperatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to limit a number of available doses from thecontroller to a predetermined number.
 9. The therapeutic lamp platformcontroller according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined number ofdoses is from 2 to
 1000. 10. The therapeutic lamp platform controlleraccording to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured todisplay on the user display a number of available doses remaining to bedelivered by the controller.
 11. The therapeutic lamp platformcontroller according to claim 8, wherein the dosage amount is associatedwith a dosage radiant energy amount for a dosage time duration.
 12. Thetherapeutic lamp platform controller according to claim 8, wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to display on the user display theremaining time for an active treatment.
 13. The therapeutic lampplatform controller according to claim 8, wherein the power source is abattery and the control circuit is configured to detect a low powerstate associated with the battery and display on the user display anindication that the battery requires one of replacing and charging. 14.A therapeutic lamp platform controller comprising: a power source; acontrol circuit operatively connected to the power source, the controlcircuit including one or more outputs to drive a plurality of radiantlamps associated with a therapeutic lamp platform, the plurality ofradiant lamps including a mixed combination of different wavelengthradiant energy and the plurality of radiant lamps disposed tocommunicate the radiant energy to a user treatment area; a user displayoperatively connected to the control circuit; and, a user control switchoperatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to display on the user display the time remainingfor an active dosage treatment session.
 15. The therapeutic lampplatform controller according to claim 14, wherein the control circuitis configured to limit a number of available doses from the controllerto a predetermined number.
 16. The therapeutic lamp platform controlleraccording to claim 15, wherein the predetermined number of doses is from2 to
 1000. 17. The therapeutic lamp platform controller according toclaim 14, wherein the dosage amount is associated with a dosage radiantenergy amount for a dosage time duration.
 18. The therapeutic lampplatform controller according to claim 14, wherein the power source is abattery and the control circuit is configured to detect a low powerstate associated with the battery and display on the user display anindication that the battery requires one of replacing and charging.